Organizer
SEED
Website
https://seed-net.lu/SEED is a platform founded in 2012, and a registered association since 2013, is engaged in practical work, pedagogical and polical for the interantion and evolution of the diversity of ules plants. SEED promotes traditional varieties of fruits, vegetables and cereals as well as other plants. ules through the multiplication of seeds and seedlings and their utilisation in farms and gardens. Therefore, SEED supports the development of value chains for seed and seedlings of traditional varieties and their derivatives on local markets. SEED is also committed to the improvement of the legal status of traditional varieties, to the seed sovereignty of farmers, horticultivators and gardeners and the recognition of the profession of artisan seeds. Objecif: Cultivated biodiversity At the level of cultivated food plants, SEED bases its work for biodiversity on two axes: The genetic diversity of cultivated plants, which is expressed by the richness of traditional varieties in the different regions of the world, and The process of adaptation and evolution (on farm and in situ) of plants cultivated in the framework of the interactions plant-environment (symbioses with the soil microbiome, abiotic and biotic stresses, impact of farming methods etc.). SEED is not opposed to centralised and privatised seed production, but works to promote the promotion of local seeds and seedlings in decentralised systems. Locally cultivated biodiversity and seed sovereignty of the nations are considered two indispensable pillars for sustainable food security. The disappearance of traditional varieties, genetic erosion, 75% of which was identified by the FAO in 1999, is known to be a major cause of food insecurity still making progress since the beginning of the 21st century and must be stopped and reversed as a matter of urgency.
Field Visit -Vegetable seed production at the LTA, André Zewen’s Farm and LUGA Ettelbruck
6 September 2025
09:00—13:00
Here is the PDF file with further details:
Field trips – LLD Forum Sept.25
Program of the day:
08:45 Gathering at Courtyard Lycée Technique Agricole – Luxembourg, 1 Kréiwénkel, 9374 Gilsdorf
09:00 Bus departure for LTA Annexe, 19B Freschegaass, 9353 Bettendorf09:15 Visit to LTA Annexe:
• Vegetable seed cleaning and storage facilities
• Open land seed bearer patches
10:15 Bus departure for 1 J.B. Zewenstrooss L-9454 Fouhren
10:30 Visit to André Zewen:
• Agroforestry, local products, diversified farming
• Organic nut orchard with sheep
11:30 Bus departure for LUGA Ettelbruck
12:00 Visit to LUGA Ettelbruck
13:00 Individual visit of LUGA / end of official programme
Further details
Visit to vegetable seed production at the LTA
“From seed to plate”
The production of organically certified seeds began at the Luxembourg Agricultural
School LTA in 2012. The seeds were initially used for educational purposes in class and
for internal use, as well as being distributed to amateur gardeners in Luxembourg. Since
2021, organic vegetable seeds are produced for professional market gardeners. This
production is carried out in accordance with the existing European seed laws and the
international ISTA rules and is monitored by the seed administration of the Ministry of
Agriculture.
The seed project ‘From Seed to Plate’ is supported by various Luxembourg ministries and
has received financial support from the Interreg project IMAGINE and the Œuvre
Nationale de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte.
The financial support has made it possible to purchase various machines and equipment
for use in seed processing:
• Mobile threshing machine
• Stationary wind cleaning machine
• Seed cabinet
• Germination cabinet
• Hot water treatment unit
• Vacuum sealer
The visit will mainly focus on cleaning, treatment and storage. However, outdoor areas
with seed carriers will also be shown.
Visit to André Zewen
High product quality, nature conservation and promotion of biodiversity
André Zewen embodies a vision of sustainable agriculture, where the quest for
productivity does not overshadow respect for life. In a context where climate change is
upsetting the ecological balance, his commitment to organic farming and biodiversity
offers a glimmer of hope. Faced with headwinds, this Luxembourg walnut grower remains
true to his mission: to pass on a living agricultural heritage and exceptional products.
On his 23 hectares, which are home to 1,150 walnut trees planted by André himself, he
refuses to use chemical treatments, including copper, even though it is authorised in
organic farming. This requirement stems from a global approach: to protect his flock of
sheep, preserve soil quality and offer healthy products.
https://www.zewen.lu/
